Barbican to exhibit computer games

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The Barbican Gallery, in London, is to stage an exhibition in the new year exploring the 40-year history of computer games.

The exhibition, which will run from 16 May to 15 September, is entitled Game On.

Over 250 exhibits will be displayed in 11 themed sections looking at different aspects of gaming, including its history and development in different cultures.

Game On will feature a children's games area and specially commissioned pieces of contemporary art.

Cultural links

Original artwork and prototypes of the games will also be on show.

A section entitled Games Families will offer the chance for visitors to play over action and simulation 40 games.

The cultural links and differences between games developed in Europe, North America and Japan, will also be examined.

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The Barbican's resident curator, Conrad Bodman, said the exhibition would "explain crucial developments in hardware technology, from the primitive, colossal computers of the early 60s to the GameCube.

"There will be some unique material and objects in the show, and lots of interactive opportunities for visitors."

Guest curator Lucien King said: "The exhibition has taken us around the world from Europe and America to Japan in search of all of the good things that have come from games."